Top Banner
CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /41 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002 Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use to help students become independent, strategic learners. These strategies become learning strategies when students independently select appropriate ones and use them effectively to accomplish tasks or meet goals. Strategies can: motivate students and help them focus attention organize information for understanding and remembering monitor and assess learning. To become successful strategic learners, students need: step-by-step strategy instruction a variety of instructional approaches and learning materials appropriate support that includes modelling, guided practice and independent practice opportunities to transfer skills and ideas from one situation to another meaningful connections between skills and ideas, and real-life situations opportunities to be independent and show what they know encouragement to self-monitor and self-correct tools for reflecting on and assessing own learning. Effective instructional and learning strategies can be used across grade levels and subject areas, and can accommodate a range of student differences. Instructional strategies that are especially effective in the CALM program include: cooperative learning group discussions independent study journals and learning logs role-playing cognitive organizers literature responses service learning issue-based inquiries. Cooperative learning Cooperative learning involves students working in small groups to complete tasks or projects. Tasks are structured so that each group member contributes to the completion of the task. Success is based on the performance of the group rather than on the performance of individual students.
34

Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

Apr 24, 2020

Download

Documents

dariahiddleston
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /41©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies

What are instructional strategies?

Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use to help studentsbecome independent, strategic learners. These strategies become learningstrategies when students independently select appropriate ones and usethem effectively to accomplish tasks or meet goals. Strategies can:• motivate students and help them focus attention• organize information for understanding and remembering• monitor and assess learning.

To become successful strategic learners, students need:• step-by-step strategy instruction• a variety of instructional approaches and learning materials• appropriate support that includes modelling, guided practice and

independent practice• opportunities to transfer skills and ideas from one situation to another• meaningful connections between skills and ideas, and real-life

situations• opportunities to be independent and show what they know• encouragement to self-monitor and self-correct• tools for reflecting on and assessing own learning.

Effective instructional and learning strategies can be used across gradelevels and subject areas, and can accommodate a range of studentdifferences.

Instructional strategies that are especially effective in the CALM programinclude:• cooperative learning• group discussions• independent study• journals and learning logs• role-playing• cognitive organizers• literature responses• service learning• issue-based inquiries.

Cooperative learning

Cooperative learning involves students working in small groups tocomplete tasks or projects. Tasks are structured so that each groupmember contributes to the completion of the task. Success is based onthe performance of the group rather than on the performance ofindividual students.

Page 2: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

42/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

Program benefits Cooperative learning activities play an important role in increasingstudents’ respect for and understanding of each other’s abilities, interestsand needs. These activities encourage students to take responsibility fortheir learning.

Tips for getting started Consider the following suggestions for successful cooperative learning inthe CALM classroom.• Keep groups small—two to five members is best.• Create diverse groups; this allows group members to learn from each

other’s differences.

• Structure groups in such a way that success depends on each groupmember being responsible for some part of the task.

• Initially, group students and assign roles within each group.• Teach basic routines for classroom management, including forming

groups quickly and quietly, maintaining appropriate noise levels,inviting others to join the group, treating all students with respect andhelping or encouraging peers.

• Monitor behavioural expectations by scanning groups, usingproximity and friendly reminders, sitting and watching a group for awhile, revisiting expectations, and when necessary, reteachingexpectations.

• Ensure individual students are aware of their roles andresponsibilities within the group. Post a list of roles or give studentscards describing specific roles.

• Discuss and model collaborative skills, such as listening, allowingothers to speak, asking for help when needed, encouraging others,reaching consensus and completing a task within the allotted time.Students need opportunities to practise these skills, and receivefeedback and reinforcement.

• Allow students time to evaluate the cooperative learning process,both individually and as a group.

Think–pair–share In think–pair–share, the teacher poses a question. Students thinkprivately about the question for a given amount of time, usually one tothree minutes. Each student then discusses the question with a partner,allowing students to clarify their thoughts. Next, each pair has anopportunity to share their answers with the whole class.

Think–pair–share is a cooperative learning strategy that providesopportunities for students to:• participate• learn from others• make connections.

Page 3: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /43©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

Forming learning groups

There are many strategies for forming cooperative learning groups.Using a variety of strategies ensures students have opportunities to workwith many other students throughout the year.

Consider the following strategies for forming groups.

• Pairing up partners—Students pair up with someone who falls intothe same category. For example, pair up with the first person theymeet who is wearing the same colour socks.

• Creative groupings—Count off with colours, sounds or days of theweek. For example, to get three groups, try counting off with “red,green and blue.”

• Chalkboard list—Use this strategy when students finish their workat different times. As students complete an assignment, they writetheir names on the chalkboard. When three names accumulate, theybecome a group.

For additional ideas for forming learning groups, see Energize!Energizers and Other Great Cooperative Activities for All Ages by CarolApacki.

Group roles Different cooperative learning tasks may require different roles. Beforeassigning roles, review the task and determine what roles are necessaryfor the group to be successful. In the book Cooperative Learning:Where Heart Meets Mind, Bennett et al. suggest the following roles.

• Checker—Ensures that everyone understands the assigned task.

• Timekeeper—Watches the clock and makes sure the group finishesthe task within the time allotted.

• Questioner—Seeks information and opinions from members of thegroup.

• Recorder—Keeps a written record of the work completed.

• Reporter—Reports on the group’s work to the rest of the class.

• Encourager—Encourages everyone in the group to contribute andoffers positive feedback on ideas.

• Materials manager—Gathers the materials necessary to completethe task. At the end of the task, the materials manager returns thematerials and turns in the group’s work.

• Observer—Completes a checklist of social skills for the group.

When introducing roles to the class, explain and model them. Givestudents opportunities to practise. Emphasize that all roles are equallyimportant and contribute to the success of the group.

Students need many opportunities to work in small groups to improvetheir ability to be part of a team. The number one reason people fail attheir jobs is their inability to get along with coworkers. Cooperative

Page 4: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

44/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

learning creates opportunities for students to learn and apply importantsocial and communication skills.

Cooperative learning is an effective strategy for the CALM classroom. Itenhances perspective, encourages higher-level reasoning, creates socialsupport and provides opportunities for students to participate inmeaningful, thoughtful activity.

Group achievement marks One controversial aspect of cooperative learning is whether or not toassign group achievement marks. Spencer Kagan, in O’Connor’s TheMindful School: How to Grade for Learning, argues against using agroup achievement mark for the following reasons.• Group marks convey the wrong message. If grades are partially a

function of forces entirely out of students’ control, such as whohappens to be their partners, that sends students the wrong message.

• Group marks violate individual accountability if individual studentsfind ways to manipulate the situation to their advantage.

• Group achievement marks are responsible for parents’, teachers’ andstudents’ resistance to cooperative learning.

Rather than awarding group achievement marks, Kagan suggestsproviding feedback in written form on students’ cooperative learningskills. Kagan believes students will work hard if they know in advancethat such feedback will occur. He also suggests asking students to settheir own goals and use self-assessment to promote learning and improvesocial skills.

Group discussions

Group discussions are an integral part of the CALM classroom. They areessential for building background on specific issues, creating motivationand interest, and giving students a forum for expressing and exploringnew ideas and information.

Group discussions help students learn to articulate their views andrespond to opinions that differ from their own. Group discussions mayinvolve the whole class or small groups. Groups of two to six studentswork well. Participating in group discussions helps students considerother people’s perspectives and develop effective problem-solving skills.

Consider the following suggestions for using group discussions in theclassroom.• Create an atmosphere of openness and acceptance. Encourage

students to show respect for the ideas and opinions of others eventhough they might not agree. Model this behaviour for students.

• Establish ground rules for discussion. Rules should include:− no put-downs− no interrupting− everyone has the right to pass.

• Be prepared to accept silence after a question. Give students theopportunity to think before they respond.

Page 5: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /45©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

• Encourage students to formulate their own questions. Asking goodquestions is an important part of learning.

• Probe beyond neat and tidy answers. Encourage students to expresswhat they really think, not simply say what they think the teacher orother students want to hear. Use “what if” questions. Presentsituations where there are no right or wrong answers. Offersituations in which people have a variety of opinions or emotions.Discuss the idea that sometimes the best solution is to agree todisagree.

• Ask “What else …” questions to encourage students to go beyondtheir first responses.

• Guard against inappropriate disclosure. Be vigilant in situationswhere students might reveal hurtful or embarrassing informationabout themselves. Head off such revelations.

Talking circles7

Talking circles are useful when the topic under consideration has no rightor wrong answer, or when people need to share feelings. The purpose oftalking circles is not to reach a decision or consensus. Rather, it is tocreate a safe environment for students to share their points of view withothers. This process helps students gain trust in their classmates. Theycome to believe that what they say will be heard and accepted withoutcriticism. They also gain an empathetic appreciation for other points ofview.

Talking circles may initially require a facilitator to ensure guidelines arefollowed. Students are free to react in any manner that falls within thefollowing guidelines.

• All comments should be addressed directly to the question or issue,not to comments another participant has made. Negative and positivecomments about other contributions should be avoided.

• Only one person speaks at a time. Everyone else listens to thespeaker in a nonjudgemental way. Some groups find it useful tosignify who has the floor. Going around the circle systematically isone way to achieve this. Passing an object, such as a feather, fromspeaker to speaker is another method.

• Silence is an acceptable response. No one should be pressured at anytime to contribute. There must be no negative consequences,however subtle, for saying, “I pass.”

• At the same time, everyone must feel invited to participate. Thereshould be some mechanism to ensure that a few vocal people don’tdominate the discussion. An atmosphere of patient andnonjudgemental listening usually helps shy students speak out andlouder ones moderate their participation. Going around the circle in asystematic way, inviting each student to participate by simply callingeach name in turn can be an effective way to even out participation.It is often more effective to hold talking circles in small groups.

Page 6: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

46/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

• Students should avoid comments that put down others or themselves,such as “I don’t think anyone will agree with me, but …”. Wordslike “good” or “excellent” are also forms of judgement.

Brainstorming Brainstorming is an effective technique for generating lists of ideas, andcreating interest and enthusiasm for new concepts or topics.Brainstorming provides teachers and students with an overview of whatstudents know and/or think about a specific topic. Students can usebrainstorming to organize their knowledge and ideas. The informationgathered during brainstorming can be used as a starting point for morecomplex tasks, such as essay outlines or mind maps. The ideas can alsobe used to assist in the decision-making process.

Brainstorming serves a variety of purposes. It can be used to introducenew units of study, assess knowledge at the beginning or end of units,review information for tests, generate topics for writing assignments orprojects, solve problems or make group decisions.

Establish brainstorming ground rules, such as:• accept all ideas without judgement• ensure everyone participates• focus on quantity rather than quality.

During the brainstorming activity, record single words or phrases.Continue brainstorming until ideas run out or the time limit is over.Review the ideas and look for ways to combine and/or sort them.

Independent study8

Independent study is an individualized learning experience that allowsstudents to select a topic focus, define problems or questions, gather andanalyze information, apply skills, and create a product to show what hasbeen learned. This learning strategy works best with students who have ahigh degree of self-directedness and a mastery of basic research skills.

The general purposes of independent study include:• learning to gather, analyze and report information• encouraging in-depth understanding of specific content areas• making connections between content and real-life applications.

Basics A successful independent study project depends on recognizing andplanning for these basic elements:• cooperative student–teacher planning of what will be studied and

how the project will be presented• alternative ideas for gathering and processing information• multiple resources that are readily available• teacher intervention through formal and informal student–teacher

communication• time specifically assigned for working and conferencing• working and storage space• opportunities for sharing, feedback and evaluation

Page 7: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /47©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

• student recognition for expertise and finished product• established evaluation criteria.

Student–teacher interaction Regular student–teacher interaction is essential during independent study.The interaction may range from formally structured conferences to casualconversations as teachers circulate while students are working. Teachersinteract with students in order to:• keep in touch• help with problem solving• provide direction• open up new areas for exploration and production• give encouragement• introduce, teach and/or reinforce needed skills.

Developing independent study plans In developing independent study plans, it is important to:• select topics or issues that are motivating• discuss and brainstorm possible questions• identify key questions to pursue and answer• develop plans and time sequences• locate and use multiple resources• use learning to create products• share findings with classmates• evaluate processes, products and use of time• explore possibilities that could extend studies into new areas of

learning.

Page 8: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

48/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

(See Student Tool 4: Independent study and research, page 139.)

Developing topics for independent study Topics can come from a variety of sources:• learner outcomes in the CALM program of studies, such as

examining the effects of smoking• an extension of the curriculum, such as how volunteers contribute to

the economy of the community• a problem to be solved, such as finding out what motivates young

people to participate in high-risk sports• an event in the environment, such as the effect of new smoking

bylaws on the local social and business scene.

Readiness for independent study9 Students are at varying levels of readiness for independent work. Usethis chart to identify where students are on a continuum, from havingbasic skills to being ready to assume the full responsibility and challengeof self-guided learning.

Independent study and research

Page 9: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /49©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

Many students are between categories of development at any given time.For example, one student may be quite capable of generating a problemfor study and a design for investigating the problem, but lack skills ofadhering to timelines without close teacher supervision. Teachers need toknow:• that movement toward independence is developmental• that there are specific skills required in order to develop

independence• that students vary in their readiness to apply certain skills• what level of readiness each student has and encourage maximum

application of skills at that level of readiness.

Suggestions for successful independent study9 When students are ready to begin working at a shared independence orself-guided learning level, they are ready to design independent studieswith reasonably well-developed degrees of student determination andout-of-class, long-term investigation potential. The following guidelinesensure greater success in independent study projects and may be modifiedfor the readiness level of students.• Have students propose a topic for study that they really care about.

This maximizes intrinsic motivation and goes a long way towardensuring follow-through.

Progression toward independent learning over time

• Making choices• Finding answers• Using resources• Planning time• Basic elements of

critical and creativethinking

• Goal setting• Follow-through• Discussion of goal

attainment

• Selecting fromamong topics

• Completing open-ended assignments

• Posing andanswering questions

• Following presettimelines

• Self-evaluationaccording toprepared criteria

• Skills of problemsolving

• Documenting stagesin the process

Student poses andteacher refines:

• Problem• Design• Timelines• Process• Evaluation

criteria

Student documentsprocess(Metacognition)

Teacher monitorsprocess

Student plans,executes, evaluates

Teacher is availablefor consultation andfeedback as needed

High teacher structureLow student determinationShort-term potentialIn-class completion

Low teacher structureHigh student determinationLong-term potentialOut-of-class completion

Basic Skills ofIndependence

StructuredIndependence

SharedIndependence

Self-guidedLearning

Page 10: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

50/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

• Encourage students to read broadly about the topic before theydescribe the project. This ensures they understand the issues theywill be studying before they proceed.

• Help students use a variety of resources for their study, includingpeople, print resources and other media.

• Have students find problems or issues that professionals in the fieldthink are important and might choose to study.

• Ensure that students develop timelines for completing the whole taskas well as components of it. Keeping a simple calendar of the timespent and tasks completed on a given day may be useful in helpingstudents and teachers monitor progress and work habits. Manystudents at the shared independence level need to have teachers andpeers critique their work as it progresses in order to reduceprocrastination and monitor quality. For these students, it is helpfulto establish check-in dates.

• Have students plan to share their work with an audience that canappreciate and learn from what students create. Students shouldparticipate in identifying and securing these audiences. Audiencesmay range in size from one to many.

• Help students develop awareness of a range of possible finalproducts.

• Have students generate criteria to evaluate their products. Theserubrics should be developed early in the process and modified as theproject develops. Criteria give students a sense of power over theirown work and help teachers evaluate final products fairly andobjectively.

• If independent projects are part of class work, ensure studentsunderstand:− when it is appropriate to work on the independent study− where in the classroom and within the school they may work− what materials need to be at school for in-class work− other ground rules for in-class independent study.

Journals and learning logs

Journals and learning logs provide students with opportunities to recordtheir thoughts, feelings and reflections on a variety of topics andexperiences. Journals allow students to explore ideas and clarify theirown thinking.

In the CALM classroom, use journals to:10

• record key ideas from presentations, lectures or reading assignments• make predictions about what will happen next in school, national or

world events• record questions• summarize the main ideas of a book, film or reading• connect the ideas presented to other subject areas or students’

personal lives• monitor change in an experiment or event over time• respond to questions

Page 11: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /51©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

• brainstorm ideas• help identify problems and issues• identify solutions and alternatives• keep track of the number of problems solved or articles read.

Journals are useful tools in the CALM program because they givestudents an ongoing opportunity to reflect on their learning. Studentsneed opportunities to process what they have just learned and reflect onhow that learning affects their lives. Keeping logs and journals are twostrategies that reinforce reflective teaching and learning by helpingstudents construct knowledge for themselves.

Process new information Learning logs and journals can be used to process new informationduring class time. Teachers can give direct instruction in 10- to 15-minute segments, and then ask students to write down key ideas,questions, connections or reflections. This gives students an opportunityto think about new materials, clarify confusion, discuss key ideas andprocess information before moving on to new material.11

Learning log

Topic Date

Key ideas: Connections: Questions:

(See Student Tool 5: Learning log, page 140.)

There are a number of benefits learning logs offer.12

• Students have a format for identifying and remembering key ideas.• They allow students more time to process information.• They can be used to review for quizzes and tests.• They can be included in portfolios.• Students who miss a class can borrow logs from classmates to keep

up with class work.• Teachers can use them to identify confusion or misunderstandings

during the lesson and make adjustments to instruction.• Students can use them to connect ideas they are learning to real-life

experiences and concerns.

Promote reflection and higher-level thinking The following format uses questions to encourage students to reflect ontheir learning at the beginning of a lesson, in the middle and at the end.13

Page 12: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

52/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

At the beginning of the lesson• What questions do you have from yesterday?• Write two important points from yesterday’s discussion.In the middle• What do you want to know more about?• How is this like something else?• Is this easy or difficult for you? Explain why.At the end• Something you heard that surprised you …• How could you use this outside class?

A related journal format encourages students to reflect on learningactivities by looking back, looking in and looking forward.14

Looking back• What activities did we do?• What did I learn?• How does what I learned relate to the real world?

Looking in• What did I like or dislike about the learning experience?• How do I feel about what I learned?• What questions or concerns do I have about what I learned?Looking forward• What would I like to learn more about?• What goal could I set for myself?• How might what I learned help me in the future?

Self-assessment Work with students to develop self-assessment tools that encourage themto set higher goals in their journal writing. Two interesting formats fromKay Burke’s The Mindful School: How to Assess Authentic Learninglook at the level of thoughtfulness, and describe the depth andpersonalization of students’ responses.15

Journal response 0 1 2 3 4 undeveloped partial adequate interesting powerful

Page 13: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /53©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

Management tips Consider the following suggestions for using journals in the CALMclassroom.• Allow students to mark any entry “private.” Entries marked private

are read only by the teacher. They will not be shared with otherswithout students’ permission.

• Respond to journal entries by asking questions that guide students’decision-making or problem-solving processes.

• Focus on expression of ideas rather than mechanics of spelling andneatness.

• Throughout the term, ask students to revisit their journal entries andidentify how their thoughts and ideas have changed.

Role-playing Important objectives of the CALM curriculum include helping studentsdevelop communication skills, express feelings and increase awareness ofhow others think and feel. Role-playing provides students withopportunities to explore and practise new communication skills in a safe,nonthreatening environment, express feelings, and take on the role ofanother person by “walking in another’s shoes.”

Role-playing is the spontaneous acting out of situations, withoutcostumes or scripts. The context for the role-play is presented and rolesare selected. Students have minimal planning time to discuss thesituation, choose different alternatives or reactions and plan a basicscenario. At the conclusion, students discuss how they felt and what theylearned about that particular situation. The most important part ofrole-play is the follow-up discussion.

When using role-plays in the CALM classroom:• always have students role-play the positive aspects of a skill or

situation• if it is necessary to role-play a negative situation, the teacher should

take on the negative role• provide a specific situation• provide a limited time for students to develop and practise their

role-plays (5 to 10 minutes is usually sufficient)

Littleevidence of

thoughtfulness1

Someevidence of

thoughtfulness2

Strongevidence of

thoughtfulness3

Responseonly

Responsesupported by

specificexamples

Responsesupported byexamples and

personalreflections

Journal response

Page 14: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

54/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

• limit the use of costumes and props• provide students with tips for participating and observing.

Tips for participating Share the following tips with role-play participants.• Face the audience, and speak loudly and clearly.• Don’t rely on props or costumes. Use body language to communicate

your message.• Focus on your role-play partners and the message you want to

communicate.

Encourage participants to assess their participation by asking themselvesthe following questions.• Am I identifying with the people involved?• Are all the important aspects of the situation portrayed?• Are the ideas from the planning session used in the role-play?• Are new skills or concepts used accurately?

Tips for observing Share and discuss the following tips for being supportive observers.• Demonstrate good listening by being quiet and attentive during the

role-play.• Show support by clapping and using positive words of

encouragement and feedback.• Laugh at the appropriate moments. Do not laugh at role-play

participants.

Ongoing assessment During role-play, observe how students handle the situations representedand consider the following questions.• Are concepts being expressed accurately in language and action?• Are any students confused or uncertain about the purpose of the

role-play, the situation or their role?• Should space arrangements or materials be changed?

To extend the learning from role-plays, consider the following questions.• What issues were clarified through the role-play?• What misconceptions may have been presented?• What questions did the role-play raise?• What new information is needed?• What links does this role-play have to future tasks that extend or

broaden the topic?

Role-playing can be an effective strategy for practising new skills andexploring new ideas in the CALM classroom. It addresses several of themultiple intelligences, and can be a motivating and memorable learningactivity.

Page 15: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /55©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

Cognitive organizers

Cognitive organizers (also known as key visuals or graphic organizers)are formats for organizing information and ideas graphically or visually.Just as cooperative learning groups make student thinking audible,cognitive organizers make student thinking visible.

Students can use cognitive organizers to generate ideas, record andreorganize information, and see relationships. They demonstrate not onlywhat students are thinking but also how they are thinking as they workthrough learning tasks. Examples of cognitive organizers include Venndiagrams, P–M–I charts, decision-making models and mind maps.

To teach students how to use cognitive organizers:• use cognitive organizers to plan and introduce your lessons• show examples of new organizers, and describe their purpose and

form• use easy or familiar material to model how to use organizers• model organizers on the board, overhead or chart paper, using a

“think-aloud” format• give students opportunities to practise using the format with easy

material• coach them at various points in the process• share final products; discuss what worked and what didn’t, and give

students an opportunity to revise information• provide students with many opportunities to practise using cognitive

organizers• use cognitive organizers with a range of topics and issues• encourage students to evaluate which organizers work best in which

learning situations.

Cognitive organizers work well in the CALM classroom because theygive students an opportunity to apply their learning and give teachersinformation about what students are thinking.

Look for opportunities throughout the CALM curriculum to create newgraphic organizers that fit the needs of different learner outcomes andactivities.

Page 16: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

56/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

Venn diagrams Venn diagrams compare and contrast information about two objects,concepts or ideas. They help students organize information and seerelationships. They can be used after such activities as reading text,listening to a speaker or viewing a film.

There are many opportunities for comparing and contrasting behavioursor practices in health education. For example, students could use Venndiagrams to compare and contrast safe and unsafe, or healthy andunhealthy habits, like the examples below. The example below is a Venndyad. Venn diagrams can be expanded to three or more interlockingcircles in order to compare a number of issues or concepts.

(See Student Tool 6: Venn dyad, page 141 and Student Tool 7: Venntriad, page 142.)

Venn dyad

Page 17: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /57©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

P–M–I chartsStudents can use Plus, Minus and Interesting (P–M–I) charts to compareand contrast situations, ideas or positions. P–M–I charts give students aformat for organizing information, and evaluating their knowledge andideas. This activity can be a precursor to making informed decisions.

(See Student Tool 8: P–M–I Decision-making chart, page 143.)

P–M–I Decision-making chart

Page 18: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

58/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

Decision-making models Decision-making models are a step-by-step process that encouragesstudents to look for more than one solution, choose the best alternativeand develop an action plan for solving a problem or making a decision.By breaking problem solving into a step-by-step process and generatingalternative solutions, students can become better and more creativeproblem solvers.

Students at this level should have basic decision-making skills. Thischart can be used when students are struggling with the basic steps ofdecision making or if an issue seems particularly difficult or confusing.The What I have, What I need organizer, or similar decision-makingtools, provide frameworks for gathering and analyzing information.

(See Student Tool 9: What I have, What I need, page 144.)

10.

What I have, What I need

Page 19: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /59©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

Mind maps Mind mapping was developed in the early 1970s by British author andbrain researcher Tony Buzan. It is an easy way to represent ideas usingkeywords, colours and imagery. Its nonlinear format helps studentsgenerate and organize ideas. Students can record a large amount ofinformation on one piece of paper. Mind mapping allows students toshow connections between ideas. Mind mapping integrates logical andimaginative thinking, and provides an overview of what students knowand think about a particular topic.

Webs are simple mind maps. Adding pictures, colours and key wordstransforms them into a more powerful learning, memory and idea-generating tool. Below is a mind map showing how one student learnsbest.16

Literature Using literature in the CALM program offers students opportunities to:• increase their knowledge and understanding of the world and

themselves• vicariously experience new situations• examine ways their personal experiences connect with the

experiences of characters• experience and express emotions• explore their own ideas and beliefs• develop problem-solving skills.

Page 20: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

60/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

Literature includes novels, short stories, poetry, essays and featurewriting. Students can make predictions prior to reading stories. Atvarious points in the story, students can stop to make comments, respondto what is happening or make further predictions. Finally, students canrespond to what they read through a variety of post-reading activities.

While keeping a journal is a common way to have students respond towhat they read, there are many others. These include:• writing a letter to a character• developing a role-play based on a story• writing a different ending or a sequel to the story.

Literature can foster cross-curricular collaboration. Find out what novelsand other pieces of fiction students are reading in English Language Artsclasses and look for authentic ways to link CALM outcomes with thethemes of the literature.

Service learning

Service learning is a goal-setting and action process that positively affectsothers. All students can participate in service learning. Service learningprovides benefits for everyone involved.17

For students, benefits include:• strengthening academic knowledge and skills by applying them to

real problems• building positive relationships with a variety of people• getting to know people from different backgrounds• discovering new interests and abilities• setting goals and working through steps to achieve them• working cooperatively• taking on leadership roles• learning the value of helping and caring for others.

For teachers, benefits include:• having meaningful, close involvement with students• reaching students who have difficulty with standard curriculum• establishing home/school/community partnerships• helping the school become more visible in the community• promoting school spirit and pride• building collegiality with other school staff.

For the school and community, benefits include:• increased connectedness between students, their schools and their

communities• improved school climate as students work together in positive ways• enhanced perception of young people by community members,

leading to stronger support for youth and schools• greater awareness of community needs and concerns• increased community mobilization to address key issues.

Page 21: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /61©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

Sample service learning projects18 Need: To enhance the climate of the school as a positive and supportiveplace for all.Possible projects• Plan appreciation days for school staff.• Plan appreciation day for school volunteers.• Organize a school cleanup campaign.• Plant flowers and trees around the school.• Organize a hall of fame with photographs of outstanding graduates.• Create teams of students to give tours of the school and answer

questions for guests and newcomers.

Need: To make a positive contribution to senior citizens in thecommunity.Possible projects• Write letters to house-bound seniors who would enjoy receiving mail.• Adopt a grandparent in the community.• Plan holiday dinners for senior citizens at seniors residences or

continuing care centres.• Invite senior citizens to schools for a special day of sharing and

discussion.• Create handmade gifts for special occasions.• Send handmade birthday cards to people celebrating 80+ birthdays.• Visit seniors in residences or continuing care centres on a regular

basis.

Need: To contribute to young families in the community.Possible projects• Plan special parties for children in day cares.• Present puppet shows in elementary schools.• Teach simple craft projects to children in after-school programs.• Read stories to children in elementary schools.• Organize on-site babysitting services for special parent and

community meetings held at the school.

Need: To improve basic living conditions for people struggling in thecommunity.Possible projects• Cook and serve meals at community centres.• Collect food, clothing and toys for distribution at local shelters.• Learn about the local homeless situation and write letters of concern

to community officials suggesting strategies for improving the livingsituations of people who are homeless.

Page 22: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

62/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

Turning service projects into service learning Service learning moves beyond service projects. Sometimes, incompleting service projects, students remain detached from theexperience and fail to believe that their efforts are worthwhile. Servicelearning offers students opportunities to better understand the purposeand value of their efforts. Students who complete the following fivesteps of service learning become aware that their actions make adifference.

Talk to other teachers, other schools and local service clubs. Find outwhat service projects are working in the community. Many groups canassist in generating ideas for projects. Some schools organize ongoingprograms, such as cross-grade reading buddy programs, serving hotlunches at local drop-in centres or making regular visits to local seniorcitizen’s centres. All these examples tie in to the CALM curriculum, andexplore and reinforce specific learner outcomes.

Five steps of service learning

Step 1: PrepareWith guidance, students determine needs in the school and community.Students list questions they have about the issue and research theanswers. Students need to clearly understand why the project issignificant and how it will benefit their community. They need toconsider how they can collaborate with parents and community partnersto address these needs. Students need to define desired outcomes andgoals, and choose a project that responds to authentic needs in the schoolor community.

(See Student Tool 10: Choosing a service project, page 145.)

Page 23: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /63©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

Step 2: PlanStudents develop a step-by-step plan and timeline. Each student needs tobe responsible for part of the project. Encourage students to considerways to communicate effectively with the school community, parents andthe community at large. Providing information about the project willencourage others to participate. Consider possible challenges androadblocks and how they might be overcome. Teachers need to ensurethat the learning provides meaningful service and real consequences.

(See Student Tool 11: Making it happen, page 146.)

Step 3: Put the plan into actionEnsure students assume as much responsibility as possible. Servicelearning needs an environment that is safe, and allows for mistakes andsuccesses. Involve parents and screened community volunteers. Monitorperformance and safety on a regular basis.

Step 4: Review and reflectAcknowledge and celebrate the participation of everyone involved.Guide the process of systematic reflection, using various methods, suchas role-plays, discussion and journal writing. Have students describewhat happened, record the contribution made, discuss thoughts andfeelings, and place the experience in the larger context of the communityand society.

Page 24: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

64/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

(See Student Tool 12: Reviewing the service learning project,page 147.)

Step 5: DemonstrateTo reinforce learning, students must demonstrate mastery of skills,insights and outcomes by reporting to their peers, families andcommunities. Students could write articles or letters to local newspapersregarding local issues, or extend the experience to develop future projectsin the community.

Successful service learning projects:• create awareness of issues for students and for community members• create awareness that youth are a resource in the community• involve community members—guest speakers from a variety of

sources are often willing to support service learning projects• use a minimum of resources.

It is essential that at the end of service learning projects, students haveopportunities to privately and publicly reflect on what they contributedand learned through the project.

Page 25: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /65©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

Issue-based inquiry19

The world offers many complex social and health issues. It is essentialthat students have opportunities to develop their abilities to think clearlyand make decisions about them. One way to create these opportunities isthrough issue-based inquiry with real-life issues.

In the teacher resource Controversy as a Teaching Tool, MacInnis et al.outline a six-step social-action model to help students examine issues andconduct an issue-based inquiry. The steps are:• identify issues• investigate issues• make decisions• defend positions• take action• evaluate results.

This step-by-step approach creates opportunities for students to examineissues systematically in a hands-on way. This model, or selectedactivities within the model, can be used in a variety of ways and with avariety of topics in CALM.

Identify issues Real issues are meaningful and valid to students because they face themon a daily basis. The more controversial the issue, the greater the risk ofbias. However, these are the kinds of issues that need to be examined.

Work with students to generate a list of real issues that align with theCALM curriculum, are relevant to the community, and are of interest tostudents.

In a case-study approach, students explore a specific scenario or casestudy based on a real-life situation. Students respond to the case studyindividually, in small groups or as a class, through discussion, writing,drawing or role-play.

A good case study:• focuses on an important theme or issue• begins with an experience that all students have in common—in this

way, new knowledge can be built on past experience• creates opportunities for students to be involved in decision making.

When choosing an issue, be sensitive to the social and political realitiesof the community. Consider how examining a particular issue couldpotentially affect the life of a student, a family and/or the community.For example, debating certain environmental issues in certaincommunities could serve to escalate bitterness between family membersand/or community members.

Regardless of the issue selected, ensure there are sufficient resourcesavailable to address the issue in a comprehensive and bias-balancedmanner.

Page 26: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

66/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

Sample health-related issues These issues can be adapted for case studies, debates, role-plays,discussions, position papers or special projects.• Should junk food be banned in school cafeterias, vending machines

and school stores?• Should students be allowed to choose their own learning groups

within a class?• Should smoking be banned in public places?• Do senior high school students have a responsibility to be role

models to younger children?• Should students try to mediate conflicts between other students?• Should schools have dress codes?• Who is responsible for people’s safety? Is it an individual’s sole

responsibility or should communities enforce rules and laws to keeppeople safe?

• Should students be expected to do things they are uncomfortabledoing, such as public speaking, as part of course requirements?

• Should there be tighter controls on the portrayal of violence in themedia? How could this be done? Who would do it?

• Should school start time be changed to later in the morning to adjustto the typical teenager’s sleep patterns?

• Are employers responsible for the safety of their employees or is it anindividual responsibility?

• How can Internet health information be monitored and controlled foraccuracy and reliability?

• Should alternative health practices and treatments be monitored bythe government?

• Should the cost of alternative health treatments be covered by publichealth plans?

• Is it always necessary to manage your feelings? How do you balancethe need to express yourself with the need to maintain self-control?

• Should individuals be legally required to invest or save forretirement?

Controversy and bias Bring any group of people together and sooner or later a disagreementwill break out on some issue. Issues become controversial when differingpositions are taken. The degree of controversy depends upon theintensity of the emotions aroused.

The examination of controversial issues is an important part of thedemocratic process and has an important place in the classroom. Dealingwith controversial issues is essential in order to view and weigh multipleperspectives effectively, and enhance conflict-resolution skills.

Page 27: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /67©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

(See Student Tool 13: What is controversy?, page 148.)

Page 28: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

68/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

Whether bias is a result of attitudes, emotions, values or stakeholderinterest, everyone is influenced by bias to some extent. An issuebecomes controversial when people take opposing and strongly heldpositions on a desired outcome. With this in mind, it is necessary thatstudents develop effective strategies for identifying and classifying theirown biases, and those of others.

(See Student Tool 14: What … me biased?, page 149.)

Introduce issues An engaging and motivating introduction is key to the success of anissue-based inquiry. One strategy is to show a taped newscast of theissue with students assuming the role of reporters presenting the issue.Related newspaper clippings could be displayed and discussed. Or, thetopic could be introduced by a guest speaker or a small group of students.

Page 29: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /69©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

Having someone else introduce the issue allows teachers to remain in aneutral, unbiased position and facilitate the process. Students shouldassume the role of responsible citizens involved in a controversial issuein which action is ultimately required. Teachers need to be aware ofschool and district guidelines for speakers and controversial issues.

Investigate issues Students need opportunities to research and discover information aboutthe issue. Distribute printed materials, bring in guest speakers and ifpossible, arrange for a relevant field trip. Help students developframeworks for gathering and analyzing new information.

(See Student Tool 15: Research record, page 150.)

Page 30: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

70/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

(See Student Tool 16: Talking the talk—Guest speaker report,page 151.)

(See Student Tool 17: Biased, page 152.)

Page 31: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /71©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

Make decisions Students can use the Making a decision chart to compile informationduring the process.

(See Student Tool 18: Making a decision, page 153.)

Defend positions Students can present their decisions in position papers. This may be doneindividually, in pairs or in small groups. Alternatively, students couldcommunicate their positions through oral presentations or design posters.

(See Student Tool 19: Position paper—Here’s what I think, page 154.)

Page 32: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

72/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

Take action The action component of a unit may be the most rewarding for bothstudents and teachers. In this phase, students use all they have learnedabout an issue to develop action plans. To minimize risks and make thisas positive an experience as possible for all participants, consider thefollowing suggestions.• Encourage students to discuss projects with their parents.• The issue itself must remain secondary to the process students are

learning.• Set reasonable expectations. Students may become disappointed or

disillusioned if their actions do not achieve desired results.• Encourage specific actions within a specified time frame and focus

on actions that have a likelihood of positive outcomes.• Encourage students to engage in cooperative, positively structured

actions, such as debates.• Resist pressure to become personally involved in the issue.• Keep the school administration informed from the beginning to

ensure the necessary support for student actions.• Help students become aware of the fact that choosing to do nothing is

also an action.• Set clear parameters in relation to actions.

Encourage students to share their positions and solutions. Classifyactions into categories and discuss the characteristics of each.

Action categories include the following.

Research/information gathering—includes actions intended toincrease knowledge of the event itself.

Public awareness/media—includes actions designed to receive mediaattention, and influence the audience and decision makers; e.g.,letters to the editor, press conferences, public awareness campaigns.

Direct—includes actions of a nonpolitical, direct nature, such aspicketing, boycotting, meeting with involved parties.

Legal—includes litigation and participation in public hearings.

Organizational—includes fund-raising or the formation of specialinterest groups.

Political—includes actions that are designed to influence or gain theassistance of elected officials; for example, petitions and letters.

Civil disobedience/illegal—exclude these actions but discuss theimplications of these choices.

As a group, decide which actions fall within the scope and timelimitations of the unit. Encourage students to develop a plan of action.

Page 33: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

CALM Guide to Implementation Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies /73©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 2002

(See Student Tool 20: Planning to take action, page 155.)

(See Student Tool 21: Let’s do it—Defining your actions, page 156.)

Page 34: Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies - Alberta Education · Chapter 5 Instructional Strategies What are instructional strategies? Instructional strategies are techniques teachers use

74/ Chapter 5: Instructional Strategies CALM Guide to Implementation2002 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada

Evaluate results It is essential that students have the opportunity to review the steps in theprocess so they are able to apply them again when examining otherissues. Reflecting on the experience allows students to identify newunderstandings and assess their own learning.

(See Student Tool 22: Did I make a difference? Evaluating your actions,page 157.)